Aboriginal Child & Youth Mental Health Therapist

• Further your career while making a difference in our community
• Receive a competitive annual salary of $75K, plus a signing bonus
• Feel valued, respected, and heard, working in a beautiful northern BC backdrop

Located on BC's rugged northwest coast, 100-150 km north of Terrace, Nisga'a Lands are blessed with soaring mountains, dramatic lava beds, picturesque fjords, and thriving rivers and streams, complemented by our rich cultural traditions. For visitors and residents, there is a wide variety of activities to enjoy, including fishing, hiking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ATVing, and much more!

The Nisga'a Lisims Government (NLG) building opened its doors in 2000. It has since been responsible for a vital set of functions carried out under various departments including Child & Family Services, Finance, Programs & Services, Fisheries & Wildlife, Lands & Resources, Capital, Housing & Facilities Operations, and Enforcement & Emergency Services, all which contribute to the development of the surrounding area. NLG's directives are governed under Nisga’a laws as well as federal and provincial laws.

To read more about our history, culture, and long term community goals, please visit our website.

NLG is currently seeking a full-time Child & Youth Mental Health Therapist to join our Nisga’a Child and Family Services department. The community-based role is located in New Aiyansh, BC, with work and travel between the other three Nisga'a communities of Gitwinksihlkw, Laxgalts’ap, and Gingolx.

As part of the child protection team, you will work with children of all ages in matters such as mental health, trauma, and/or family dysfunction. You will also develop and implement a range of therapeutic treatments including expressive play, music, or art therapy. 

With the support of the Clinical Supervisor, the scope of your responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Providing direct clinical services such as intake, assessment, treatment; liaising with community agencies
• Providing comprehensive assessment and treatment plans
• Conducting individual, group, and family therapy (including play, art, and somatic therapies)
• Performing suicide assessments and crisis interventions
• Maintaining appropriate clinical/client/administrative records
• Promoting effective working relationships with clients and families, physicians, and schools, to secure input, cooperate, resolve conflicts, and influence outcomes
• Providing community consultation and providing educational services and training on emotional and behavioural disturbances
• Developing and maintaining a high level of knowledge, skill, and proficiency in all aspects of child and family services program delivery
• Complying with code of ethics in respect to professional designation and relevant legislation
• At times, be available evenings and/or weekends

As our successful candidate, you join us with a Master’s Degree in Social Work, Educational Counselling, Clinical Psychology, Child and Youth Care, or another relevant field, along with a minimum 2 years of experience in a counselling role working directly with children and youth of all ages, with responsibility for providing a range of community-based mental health services.

To succeed in this role, you will also need:

• Strong knowledge of aboriginal frameworks, including intergenerational trauma and impact of colonization
• Registration with an appropriate regulatory body (RSW, RCC, CCPA, FACTBC, or similar)
• A valid Driver’s License and access to a reliable vehicle
• Current First Aid / CPR certificate (or willing to obtain)
• Crisis Intervention or Mental Health First Aid

This role is best suited to an innovative thinker who can conduct different therapy methods (expressive play, music, or art therapy, for example) to ensure that each child receives the best care possible. You must have effective interpersonal and community relations skills, and the ability to handle highly confidential and sensitive issues with discretion, tact, and diplomacy.

The successful candidate will receive an attractive 75K annual salary. All NLG team members also receive access to a wide range of employee benefits, including:  

• Hiring bonus for the successful candidate on top of salary!
• Up to 38 days off (20 vacation + 18 elective leave)
• Extended medical and dental benefits
• Short and long-term disability
• Group life insurance
• Group pension plan
• Employee & family assistance program (EFAP) - confidential counselling services to assist employees
• Opportunities for personal and professional training and development
• Relocation assistance negotiable

By joining the NLG team, you can have a rewarding and exciting career that offers great opportunities for professional progression. Best of all, all of your hard work and dedication will serve the good of our Nation.

If you are passionate about helping others and aspire to make a real difference to First Nation communities, this is the ideal opportunity for you! Apply today!

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